Introductory ski touring weekend in the Beaufortain

Ski touring in Beaufortain is a way of life!


It is an integral part of local culture, even inspiring the creation of a legendary ski mountaineering race: the Pierra Menta.


The slopes, untouched by ski lifts, have always attracted skiers to come and carve beautiful curves in the powder snow, especially as the snow cover is particularly good all winter long in this little corner of paradise.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Climbing Grand Mont (2,686 m)

    Climbing Grand Mont (2,686 m) Meet in Albertville early in the morning. Transfer by minibus with the guide to Arêches Beaufort. Equipment rental if necessary, briefing on the weekend's schedule, and distribution of picnics.
    After taking the ski lifts up to 2,000 m, we will spend this first day safely close to the slopes to reach the Col de la Forclaz. We then leave the resort and head for the Grand Mont (2,686m), where we can enjoy a 360° panorama in good weather.
    We then enjoy a long descent to the bottom of the resort, where we do a few snowplows before taking the minibus to our weekend accommodation.

    Elevation gain: approx. 686 m | Elevation loss: approx. 1,900 m | Max. altitude: 2,686 m | Accommodation: Night in a lodge.

  • Day 2 La Roche Parstire (2,109 m)

    La Roche Parstire (2,109 m) Today we head to the small, authentic hamlet of Boudin in the hills above Arêches, from where we set off eastwards to reach the Col du Pré at 1,703 m, where we can enjoy breathtaking views over Lake Roselend. From the pass, the slope heads south and leads us to the ridge: follow it and take off your skis for a short section to reach La Roche Parstire at 2,109m. The 360° view is magnificent: a string of peaks with Mont Blanc in the background. What better way to start your trip and get into the swing of things?

    Elevation gain: approx. 800 m | Elevation loss: approx. 800 m | Max. altitude: 2,109 m | Accommodation: Night in a lodge.

  • Day 3 Our final destination: La Pointe du Dard (2,489 m)

    Departure by minibus to Arêches to take the ski lifts again. We quickly leave the busy ski resort behind and head for the Col de la Grande Combe. A first descent is necessary to reach Lake Brassa. We put our climbing skins back on to continue our day's ascent to Pointe du Dard. At the summit, another spectacular panorama awaits you!

    Elevation gain: 570 | Elevation loss: 1260 | Maximum altitude: 2489m

PROGRAM CHANGES


Important: This program may be modified at the guide's discretion if mountain conditions, weather, or the physical condition of participants require it. For safety reasons and to ensure a consistent level of ability corresponding to that advertised, the guides and organizers reserve the right to terminate your participation if your technical ability and/or physical fitness do not meet the required standards.


Under no circumstances will this interruption give rise to a refund or compensation.

Dates & prices

International departures:

No departure for now

Departures for French-speaking groups:

No departure for now

Trip code: SRBE3J

Included

A deposit of 35% is payable upon registration, with the balance due 30 days prior to departure.



Technical organization of the course

Supervision by a high-mountain guide

Half-board accommodation in a lodge from the evening of day 1 to the morning of day 3

Picnics

Technical equipment specific to the circuit

Transport by minibus from Albertville train station to the various hiking spots

Safety equipment: avalanche transceiver (4 LR03 AAA batteries not included), shovel and probe

Ski lifts on days 1 and 3

Not included

  • Individual ski equipment: boots, skis, skins and crampons, poles
  • Batteries for the avalanche transceiver (4 LR03 AAA batteries)
  • Race food (cereal bars, dried fruit, chocolate bars, etc.) as desired
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • The ski lift on day 2 (if there is a change to the program)
  • Insurance
  • Anything not listed under “the price includes"

Terms and conditions

Booking conditions

Booking one of our activities or trips implies acceptance of the terms and conditions. Each customer must complete a booking form. Bookings are only accepted upon payment of a deposit amounting to 35% of the total cost of the trip, subject to availability. If you register less than 35 days before departure, the full cost of the trip must be paid upon registration. You can make your payment by bank transfer (SWIFT/IBAN) or by credit card directly on the website. A confirmation of your registration will be sent to you by email as soon as possible.
For any registration made less than 6 months before the departure date, your registration will only be confirmed once availability has been confirmed with the mountain huts.

Invoice procedure

The balance must be paid at least 35 days before your arrival date. If the balance has not been received by this deadline, Montagne Expédition reserves the right to cancel the booking without compensation.
You will receive your invoice on the day of your departure.

Cancellation policy

Cancellation on your behalf:


If, for any reason whatsoever, you need to cancel your trip, the sums you have paid will be refunded subject to the following deductions:

You must notify us of your decision to cancel in writing, using a method that provides proof of receipt, and the date of receipt of this correspondence will determine the date of your cancellation.

If you cancel your trip, for any reason whatsoever, the sums you have paid will be refunded subject to the following deductions:

If your cancellation occurs:
- More than 31 days before departure: 30% of the total cost of the trip (excluding insurance).
- Between 30 and 21 days: 40% of the total cost of the trip (excluding insurance).
- Between 20 and 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total cost of the booking (excluding insurance).
- Between 13 and 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total cost of the booking (excluding insurance).
- Less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total cost of the booking (excluding insurance).

Special cases, regardless of the date of cancellation or contract amendment: these charges are in addition to the scale above:
- Fixed land-based charges: charges incurred at an early stage for firm bookings will be invoiced to you in the event of cancellation (e.g. bookings for certain mountain huts)
- Insurance and registration fees: regardless of the insurance taken out, the insurance premium and registration fees are due and are non-refundable. If you have taken out comprehensive insurance, the amounts deducted will be reimbursed by the insurer in certain cases (notably illness, accident, death, etc.).
Comprehensive insurance comes into effect from the day you register and purchase your insurance.

Cancellation on our behalf:


Montagne Expédition may be required to cancel a trip at no cost to you:
- if the minimum number of participants required to guarantee the trip is not reached;
- due to exceptional and unavoidable circumstances relating to mountain conditions, and in particular for reasons relating to the safety of our clients;
In the latter case, Montagne Expédition will offer alternative arrangements. If no alternative solution is possible, Montagne Expédition will refund the customer for the services not provided, without the customer being entitled to any further compensation.

You will be informed of the cancellation as soon as possible and no later than:
- 30 days before the scheduled date for a self-guided or exclusive trip;
- 20 days before the departure date for trips requiring a minimum number of participants and lasting more than 6 days;
- 7 days before the start of the trip or holiday in the case of trips lasting between 2 and 6 days;
- 48 hours before the start of the trip or holiday in the case of trips lasting no more than 2 days.

In the event of total or partial cancellation of the holiday by Montagne Expédition due to circumstances jeopardising the safety of customers (such as adverse weather conditions in the mountains), Montagne Expédition will refund the customer for services not provided, without the customer being entitled to any further compensation.

For safety reasons and to ensure a consistent standard in line with that advertised, the management and organisers reserve the right to terminate your participation if your technical ability and/or physical fitness do not meet the required standards. Under no circumstances will such termination give rise to a refund or payment of compensation. 

Changes to travel contract

Should the customer make any changes to a trip that result in costs for Montagne Expédition, these costs shall be borne by the customer. In all cases, any changes must be made in writing.

Montagne Expédition may amend elements of the travel contract if circumstances beyond our control arise (weather conditions or other factors) that could jeopardise the safety of participants, the accessibility of the activity areas, or are linked to an order from an administrative authority.

Where Montagne Expédition modifies the programme (meeting time, duration, location, ascent, etc.) of the trip for the reasons cited above, customers are required to accept the proposed programme modification. Montagne Expédition will reimburse the customer for any services not provided, without the customer being entitled to claim any further compensation.
Should the customer refuse the replacement services, such refusal may be treated as a cancellation initiated by the customer.
It is noted that it will not always be possible to offer equivalent services given the specific nature and unique character of certain trips.

For example, on a trip including an attempt to climb Mont Blanc, if it is impossible to climb Mont Blanc for the reasons mentioned above, we will, where possible, offer you an alternative climb in the surrounding mountain ranges (Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso, etc.), which you are obliged to accept.

Pricing

For group trips, the prices listed on the website have been calculated and are valid for the specified number of participants for each trip.
If the number of participants falls below the minimum required to guarantee the trip goes ahead, a small-group supplement may be offered to ensure the trip proceeds. You may decline this small-group supplement and cancel free of charge if necessary.
For all holidays or programmes, we state the price per person, valid from a certain number of participants, and we detail the services included and not included in this price.

Contract transfer

In accordance with Article R.211-7 of the Tourism Code, you may transfer your contract to a transferee who meets the same conditions as you for undertaking the trip, provided that the contract has not yet taken effect. You must inform Montagne Expédition of your decision by any means that provides proof of receipt, no later than seven days before the start of the trip. In the event of a contract transfer, the transferor and/or the transferee are required to pay in advance the costs incurred by the transfer, which will be communicated to you by your advisor. The transferor and the transferee are jointly and severally liable for payment of the balance of the price as well as any fees, charges or other additional costs that may be incurred by this transfer.

Insurance

We recommend that you take out insurance before your departure to cover the activities undertaken with Montagne Expédition. Details of the insurance options available can be found on this page: https://montagne-expedition.com/fr/assurance

If you do not take out one of our insurance policies, we ask that you kindly email us the details of your insurance policy (name of the company, policy name, policy number, telephone number) and carry this information with you during your stay.

Altaï France (licence no. IM013110005) has taken out professional liability insurance with HISCOX under policy number PROV857693, whose registered office is at Hiscox France, 49 Avenue de l’Opéra, 75002 Paris.

If Altaï France or one of its retailers becomes insolvent, the amounts paid will be refunded.
If Altaï France or one of its retailers becomes insolvent after the start of the package, or if the transport included in the package is affected, the repatriation of travellers is guaranteed.
Altaï France has taken out insolvency protection with: GROUPAMA ASSURANCE

Practical info

Staff

This course is supervised by a mountain guide who will provide you with the technical skills you need to enjoy your stay. The guide may modify the program to ensure safety depending on weather and snow conditions in the mountains or the physical condition of participants.

Food

Meals

• Picnics for lunch, evening meals at the inn.

• Remember to bring food according to your tastes before departure.



Drinks

Drinks are not included in the price of the trip (water, tea, coffee, beer, soda, etc.). It is customary in the mountains for clients to pay for the guides' drinks: the best thing to do is to set up a kitty for the group at the beginning of the trip, based on each person's means.

Accommodation

Both nights will be spent in the same lodge in the Beaufortain Valley in shared rooms for 6 to 8 people. Each day, you will travel by minibus to the starting point of the various routes proposed/chosen by the guide.

You will need to bring your own towels, as well as sheets or a sleeping bag (blankets are provided on site).

Transportation

By train (let's favor sustainable transport whenever possible):

Pick-up at Albertville train station. Timetables and fares are available on the SNCF website.


By car:

Take the A43 motorway or the N90 national road to Albertville.


Meet at 9 a.m. in Albertville and depart around 4 p.m. on the last day.

Supplied equipment

• Shared equipment (ropes) is provided if necessary.

• Slippers are available at the refuge.

• Blankets and duvets are provided at the refuge: please bring a sleeping bag liner for hygiene reasons.

• Personal safety equipment (avalanche transceiver without batteries, shovel, probe): please inform the agency if you have your own.

Vital equipment

Skis

•1 pair of lightweight touring skis with waxed bases, suitable bindings, and brakes or safety straps

•1 pair of touring ski boots

•1 pair of self-adhesive climbing skins suitable for the skis

•Crampons suitable for the bindings

•Poles with large baskets


Other

•Safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe

•Survival blanket

•Pocket knife

•Thermos or water bottle



ALL EQUIPMENT MUST BE IN PERFECT CONDITION ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE COURSE.

Material

Head

•Windstopper hat

•Hat or cap

•Scarf and/or “Buff” neck warmer

•Sunscreen (very high protection factor) and lip balm

•Category 4 glacier sunglasses + ski goggles Upper body

•2 long-sleeved breathable technical undergarments such as “Carline” (no cotton, which dries too slowly)

•1 technical, breathable base layer

•1 thick fleece jacket

•1 windproof and waterproof jacket, such as Goretex

•1 pair of windstopper mittens (fleece or wool)

•1 pair of windstopper gloves (fleece or wool)



Lower body

•1 pair of breathable technical tights, such as Carline

•1 pair of comfortable mountain pants

•1 pair of windproof and waterproof pants, such as Goretex

•2 pairs of socks: 1 thin and 1 thick



Other

•Toilet paper + lighter

•1 100L plastic bag and an oversack to protect your belongings and backpack

•1 waterproof pouch in which to put your ID, phone, money, and insurance/assistance contract with all emergency phone numbers

Luggage

• In the mountains, you will carry your daily belongings and equipment in a 30-35 liter mountaineering backpack with ski attachments.

• Your personal belongings that need to remain at the lodge can be transported in a second bag (such as a duffel bag).

Medicine

Your guide will have a first aid kit.


Discuss your personal first aid kit with your doctor:

• regular medication

• aspirin,

• double-skin/Compeed

• elastoplast

• bandages

• local disinfectant

• anti-inflammatory medication

• antispasmodic medication

• anti-diarrhea medication

• anti-vomiting medication

• intestinal antiseptic

• eye drops

• mild sleeping pills

• earplugs



This list is not exhaustive.

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Alexandre

My local agent
Alexandre

  • Skieur, cycliste et passionné de voyage, Alexandre sillonne les vallées alpines depuis plusieurs années à la recherche des plus beaux spots et des bonnes adresses. Avec une expérience de terrain et un vif intérêt pour les sports de montagne, il sera ravi de vous accompagner dans votre choix de séjour.
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Region
France
Activity
Introduction to ski touring Ski touring
Duration
3 days
Group
6 to 8 people
Code
SRBE3J
Price
From €620
Level
2/5
Comfort
3/5
Language(s)
English / French

Required level

For those who have already skied off-piste using ski lifts.

You will ski for between 4 and 6 hours per day.

The elevation gain can reach 800 m per day.

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